That was an improvement over a $5 million loss, or 27 cents per share loss, in the same quarter last year.

Though net sales fell by more than half, from $6.7 million to $3.1 million, STR closed the gap with lower cost of sales, decreased expenses and a lower provision for bad debt expenses.

STR also revealed that the buyer of its Malaysia facility had pulled out of the deal on July 31, alleging that Malaysian authorities were "seeking to impose unacceptable conditions" on the sale. STR said it is challenging the termination of the deal.